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SLN conducts risky diving operation at capsized Chinese fishing vessel on high seas
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) embarked on a Search and Rescue/Recovery (SARR) operation to assist the ongoing operations of the capsized Chinese fishing vessel LU PENG YUAN YU 028, which was reported on 16th May 2023 in the Australian Search and Rescue Region, south of Sri Lanka.
On the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Vijayabahu, with a team of Navy divers, was directed to engage in this crucial mission.
As per Sri Lanka’s commitment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Colombo, established at the Navy Headquarters, is responsible for coordinating and facilitating maritime search and rescue operations in its designated region, as well as neighbouring regions.
As SLN arrived on the scene, the regional stakeholders have already commenced extensive aeronautical search and surface search in the area of the overturned Chinese fishing vessel. Having reached the location, the courageous Sri Lanka Navy divers meticulously searched for air pockets ,within the upturned vessel, hoping to find any survivors. After strenuous diving, amidst the challenges of zero visibility and enormous water turbulence, the Navy divers recovered two bodies from the captain’s cabin and accommodation area and they were handed over to the Tug De Tian on scene.
In addition, the Navy divers recovered 12 more bodies of the crew from various compartments of the vessel. Due to decomposition and the potential health hazards posed by operating in contaminated waters, with limited protective gear, it was determined that retrieving those bodies would be exceedingly dangerous. Next, the decision was made to map the locations of the bodies, while prioritizing the safety of the SLN divers.
Subsequently, the Diving officer and Navy divers, attached to SLNS Vijayabahu ,embarked on MV SHANDONG DE LONG which arrived there with a team of Chinese salvage team and made them a comprehensive briefing on the mapped locations of corpses, safe passages for divers to enter and exit the overturned vessel
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Members of the National Student Parliament meet PM
Members of the National Student Parliament met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Monday [02nd of February] at Temple Trees.
The representatives of the National Student Parliament, representing schools from across the island, visited the Temple Trees following their visit to the Presidential Secretariat and the Parliament.
Expressing her views on the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,
“The new education reforms were recently initiated starting from Grade One. Discussions are currently underway to include students entering Grade Six this year into the new education reform process in the future. The education reforms will not be halted, and the government is committed to implementing them in a systematic manner without shortcomings”.
She further noted that the reforms are being carried out under five main pillars, with the government’s key objective being to reduce disparities and provide children with quality education, while also nurturing a socially responsible community enriched with human values such as compassion, love for the environment, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
The occasion was attended by the Deputy Director of Education Kasun Gunarathne, along with officials from the Ministry of Education and representatives of the National Student Parliament.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Mrs. I.J. Aberathne appointed Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to appoint Mrs. I.J. Aberathne to the post of Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy with immediate effect.
News
Cabinet gives green light to provide equipment for the promotion of Aesthetic Education in schools
Although the teaching of art subjects such as music, dance, art, and drama under aesthetic education continues in the Sri Lankan school system, it has been observed that there is a severe shortage of equipment required for this purpose in many schools. Furthermore, a situation concerning the lack of modern equipment suitable for the needs of the children has also arisen, and it has been reported that most equipment available at present is outdated and dilapidated. It has been observed that this condition has an adverse effect on the quality of the aesthetic education and overall personality development of the children.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education to implement a project for supplying aesthetic equipment for the promotion of aesthetic education in schools under an estimated cost of Rs. 1,215 million during the period of 2026 to 2028.
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